Not everyone experiences depression in the same way. Different people have different symptoms and their symptoms will vary in intensity. If you have some of these symptoms, you may want to take this online depression 
screening test. The test, however, is not a substitute for a clinical evaluation. See your physician if you experience multiple symptoms and they persist over a period of time or are severe enough to interfere with your daily routine.
- A persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
- Trouble sleeping—sleeping too little or sleeping too much
- Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
- Restlessness or irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment (such as headaches, chronic pain, or constipation and other digestive disorders)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Major depression may be mimicked by a variety of medical and neurological disorders, ranging from B-vitamin deficiencies to thyroid gland problems to early Alzheimer's disease. This is why severe depression should always be evaluated first by a physician.
Some people have atypical forms of depression. They may experience high degrees of anxiety or phobic symptoms, or experience numerous aches and pains that have repeatedly turned up nothing on medical examinations. Or, they may report feeling angry and irritable nearly all the time. Some people don't use the word depressed to describe how they feel, yet they have many of the symptoms. Some individuals, will report being "tired, achy and weak," and deny being depressed. But depression is really the root of the problem. Some depressed children or adolescents may show aggressive behavior, poor school performance or drug abuse instead of (or in addition to) the usual symptoms of depression. When in doubt, consult your family physician.
A more comprehensive description of the symptoms exists on the University of Pennsylvania Health System website.